The Welsh Rugby Union is being asked for immediate changes in management following allegations of a “toxic” culture, sexism and misogyny.

Former employees have gone public with their alleged experiences, questioning the culture fostered at the WRU. The former president of Wales women’s rugby, Charlotte Watan, told the BBC Investigative Program that a colleague joked to others in the office that she wanted to “rape” her, while another woman said she had been harassed during her time in the body. her. There were also complaints of racist language used by workers.

The governing body has also been asked to take immediate action to ensure effective governance going forward, amid a request by the Wales Four Regions Joint Support Fund for chief executive Steve Phillips to be removed.

In October, the WRU would not allow the board to nominate an independent figure as chairman. The proposal was presented at the WRU AGM, chaired by Rob Butcher, as the union sought to modernize its governance. But the special resolution required 75% of the votes of the clubs present, but reached only 65.4%. Butcher stepped down shortly thereafter and Ewan Evans took over. Please continue to support this initiative.

The WRU President is currently elected from among eight board directors who were previously appointed to the post by vote of district representatives on the WRU board. Choosing an independent chairman will give the board the opportunity to look for someone with the necessary skills to run the business, which is worth around £100m. The CEO of WRU, the President of PRB and two independent non-executive directors also sit on the board.

Now, following damaging allegations about the WRU’s culture, Cardiff Rugby has reaffirmed that rugby is a game for everyone and has called on Welsh rugby figures to act.

In a statement issued by Mars, Cardiff said: “Cardiff Rugby is saddened and dismayed by allegations of discrimination and misogyny within the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) that were revealed in a BBC Wales investigation that was broadcast on Monday by at night. There is no place for it. sport or any part of society for any discrimination and Cardiff Rugby condemns the culture in question within our national governing body.

“We recognize and support the earlier calls made by WRU Chairman Euan Evans to improve the organisation’s governance to ensure the board is ‘truly representative’ and ‘skills-led’. The Cardiff Rugby board is now unanimously calling on the WRU and its boards to implement this immediately.

“We all have a responsibility to influence positive change and Cardiff Rugby does not tolerate discrimination in any form. We reaffirm our own commitment to making rugby a game for all people, of all backgrounds, genders, abilities and beliefs, and we continue to strive to make rugby a safe, inclusive and fair place for all.”

It takes place after the Scarlets and Dragons published statements expressing their concern for the claims, and the Llanelli team said that the program was “a reminder for all those involved in rugby that our game must eradicate misogyny or discrimination against any”. These allegations are linked to others that need to be addressed, but the Scarlets want to reaffirm our commitment to making rugby a safe and fair place for all.” Later that night, his Gwent teammates posted an almost identical message on Twitter .

The WRU said Watan’s allegations “remain unsubstantiated after a thorough independent judicial investigation”. He said the allegation was investigated and not confirmed by an independent lawyer hired by the WRU after the issue was raised by Ms. Watan and others as part of a broader complaint. The WRU also said that allegations of bullying made by another employee had been investigated and that she had not made any formal complaints while working there.

Former Rugby Professional Council chair Amanda Blank, chief executive of insurance giant Aviva, also warned the WRU that it faced a diversity and equality “ticking time bomb” and had “deep” cultural and behavioral issues. The WRU said it was committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and had investigated the allegations.

Meanwhile, the Joint Supporters Group, which represents the official supporters’ organizations for Wales’ four professional teams, has asked WRU chairman Evans to relieve chief executive Steve Phillips of his duties after expressing serious concern over the allegations. and the state of rugby in Wales. entire. They are also calling for an independent investigation into the WRU’s management and leadership.

The letter, posted online on Tuesday, said: “Our game in Wales is now facing an unprecedented crisis at all levels. The lack of agreement on professional teams’ budgets is causing huge concern for players and their livelihoods, with many considering leaving Wales on contracts elsewhere. Who can blame them?

“On December 14, the PRB’s oral agreement was announced. However, a full deal has not been completed and the four professional clubs cannot initiate unconditional contract offers to retain or sign players for the 2023/24 season. Meanwhile, you oversaw several costly changes to the men’s national team coaching staff during the same period.

“The BBC show was unpleasant to watch and raises a lot of questions about what goes on inside the WRU. With this in mind, we will invite the Welsh Senedd Committee on Culture, Communication, Language, Sport and International Affairs to launch an investigation. in the governance and leadership of the Welsh Rugby Union under Steve Phillips.’

Phillips was officially appointed chief executive of the WRU group in March 2021. He previously served as acting chief executive of Welsh Rugby Union in October 2020 after having been the group’s chief financial officer for 13 years. The official letter of complaint from Ms. Watan to the WRU is dated a month later, in April 2021.

The letter added: “Many of our members are also involved in community games, some as players, some as coaches, and here the problems are very evident as the number of players is dwindling. We have all seen the recent statements by professional club officials lamenting the national government’s inaction and warning of threats to the very existence of teams.

“Rugby union is too important to us as a nation to be confused by the inability to find a just solution that is desperately needed to secure the future of the professional game in Wales. Likewise, the solution must be one in which professional clubs have the foundations to succeed on and off the pitch. Thus, the success of professional clubs will ensure the prosperity of the international team. Something every football fan in Wales wants to see.

“We are aware of the challenges exacerbated by the recent pandemic, so Welsh rugby needs good governance and a vision that meets the needs of today’s international sport. In that regard, and in the interest of building trust and understanding amongst the wider rugby community, we are also asking for the transparency that has been lacking for over a year.”

While the Welsh government says allegations of sexism and misogyny in the WRU are of “great concern”, it has said the matter must be addressed by the governing body.

When contacted by a Welsh government spokesperson, WalesOnline said: “The issues raised in articles relating to the BBC Investigates program are very concerning. Wales will not be a spectator to any form of violence. We expect the WRU and other sporting bodies to provide a safe environment for officials, players, children and young people involved in the game at all levels. This is a direct matter for the WRU in relation to employment practices as an independent organization. It is imperative that the organization now demonstrates how its values ​​are consistently upheld through its actions.”

Source: Wales Online